"Ms. Kenney has never stepped foot into the Teller County courthouse. She has no prior experience with the criminal justice system. Allowing the media’s request to have cameras in the courtroom pointed directly at Ms. Kenney creates an unnecessary risk of compromising her ability to focus on this important proceeding. Additionally, expanded media unduly detracts from the solemnity, decorum and dignity of the court. "
And more in the document:
https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/04th_Judicial_District/Teller/caseofinterest/2019CR17/2019-02-06 10-19-23 2019 02-06 - LEE - Pleadings - Objection to Expanded Media Coverage.pdf
In one of the paragraphs they even reference Frazee and his hearing.
Even though the doc is from months ago, I smh at her rights and her interest in solemnity decorum and dignity...
Jmo.
^^bbm
Just to be clear, the reasons KK's lawyer provided in support of opposition to grant Expanded Media Coverage (EMC) at KK's hearing (copied in your post), should not be read to suggest that KK has or thinks she has more or special rights, or exaggerated interest in court decorum. Their argument was actually directed specifically to the factors provided in Rule 2. (See I, II, III below).
Cameras in State courtrooms are provided for under the rules governing each respective state. There's no blanket rule for this-- except in federal courtrooms.
Specific to Colorado, it's
Colorado Supreme Court Rules, Chapter 38, Rule 2 entitled "Media Coverage of Court Proceeding" that governs.
Rule 2 referenced above essentially says "No" to cameras in courtrooms during criminal trials, with two exceptions.
Rule 2 states that
advisement and
arraignment hearings
may be considered by the Court for expanded media coverage.
It's also not an automatic that all
advisement and arraignment hearings will allow cameras, only that the Court will consider granting permission for these two types of hearings.
Rule 2 outlines three factors for the Judge to consider when making a ruling whether or not to permit EMC, which include the following:
(I) Whether there is a reasonable likelihood that expanded media coverage would interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair trial;
(II) Whether there is a reasonable likelihood that expanded media coverage would unduly detract from solemnity, decorum and dignity of the court; and
(III) Whether expanded media coverage would create adverse effects that would be greater than those caused by traditional media coverage.
These same factors are applicable to any plaintiff or defendant that comes before the court with opposition to EMC.
Relative to KK's opposition to EMC at her hearing, the Court ruled in favor of the media, and granted permission for EMC.
Court did not agree with counsels argument that there would be interference, or that EMC would detract from the decorum and dignity of the courtroom.